A look back at the first Rampage team

October 13, 2012 2:51 AM

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

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A decade ago, the San Antonio Rampage opened their inaugural season at what was then the SBC Center. The top affiliate of the Florida Panthers, the new American Hockey League club was coached by San Antonio hockey legend John Torchetti for most of the season, used NHL veterans and young talent to reach the post-season, and helped launch the NHL careers of dozens of farmhands from the Panthers and later, the Phoenix Coyotes. Because of the uncertainty of the SBC Center's availability, the Rampage played their first six games on the road, going 1-5 before opening their home schedule on Nov. 3, 2002. Here's a look at that first Rampage team from 10 years ago, as the franchise launches its second decade in the Alamo City. less

A decade ago, the San Antonio Rampage opened their inaugural season at what was then the SBC Center. The top affiliate of the Florida Panthers, the new American Hockey League club was coached by San Antonio ... more

Photo: WILLIAM LUTHER, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

A decade ago, the San Antonio Rampage opened their inaugural season... Photo-3586731.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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John Torchetti, Head CoachTorchetti (second from left) was tabbed to coach the Rampage after serving as head coach of the San Antonio Iguanas and assistant coach for the San Antonio Dragons. The Boston native was the Central Hockey League's Coach of the Year when he took over from Bill Goldsworthy at Thanksgiving 1994 with the Iguanas, and led the new team to the CHL Finals both seasons he coached. Torchetti took the Fort Wayne Komets job in December 1996, led the Komets to the biggest turnaround in league history and won the Coach of the Year in 1998. Torchetti didn't finish the Rampage season, being called up to man the bench in Florida with the Panthers in March 2003. Torchetti saw his name etched on the Stanley Cup in 2010 when he was an assistant coach with the Chicago Blackhawks. Torch's NHL head coaching record with the Panthers and Los Angeles Kings is 15-19-4-1 in interim roles. He also assisted in Tampa Bay and Atlanta, as well as serving as head coach with Moncton of the Ontario Hockey League. less

John Torchetti, Head Coach
Torchetti (second from left) was tabbed to coach the Rampage after serving as head coach of the San Antonio Iguanas and assistant coach for the San Antonio Dragons. The Boston native ... more

Scott Allen, Assistant CoachThe former feisty Fort Worth opponent joined Torchetti as his assistant and took over the reigns after Torchetti's ascension to Florida. Allen (center) was the team captain for the Fire in the first two seasons of the Iguanas, and used his AHL head coaching stints here (he also took over for Steve Ludzik the next season) to grab jobs in Lowell, Omaha and Quad City and a three-year tenure as an assistant with the New York Islanders. Allen also coached with Wheeling prior to his Rampage assignment, and was a teammate of Torchetti with Carolina of the Atlanta Coast Hockey League. less

Scott Allen, Assistant Coach
The former feisty Fort Worth opponent joined Torchetti as his assistant and took over the reigns after Torchetti's ascension to Florida. Allen (center) was the team captain for the ... more

Jeff Toms, #25, CenterToms had a career year when he led San Antonio in scoring that first season with 30-33-63. He would be one of only four Rampage players to ever score 30 or more goals in a single season, along with Yanick Lehoux (31) and the not-related MacLeans, Brett (30) and Don, the record holder with 33. The center, who has 14 power play goals, is tied with Brett MacLean for the franchise lead. Toms, who played in eight games with the Panthers in 2002-03 with two goals, played most of the last decade in Switzerland, never exceeding his pro high recorded here in San Antonio. Prior to donning the Rampage uniform, Toms played in 236 NHL games with Tampa Bay, Washington, the Rangers and Islanders in New York, Florida and Pittsburgh. (Joshua Trujillo / San Antonio Express-News file photo) less

Jeff Toms, #25, Center
Toms had a career year when he led San Antonio in scoring that first season with 30-33-63. He would be one of only four Rampage players to ever score 30 or more goals in a single season, ... more

Jeff Toms, #25, Center Toms had a career year when he led San... Photo-3586734.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Mike Green, #17, CenterOne of the first fan favorites to emerge that first season was Green (left). Green was the only Rampage player to skate in all 80 games that season, finishing three points behind Toms with 60 points. Green scored the first hat trick in team history on Nov. 26, 2002, against Milwaukee, launching a franchise record seven-game winning streak. The Victoria, B.C., native would lead the Rampage in scoring after two seasons, and play in 24 NHL games with the Panthers and the New York Rangers, scoring a goal and three assists. Green, who shares his name with the Washington Capitols All-Star defenseman, finished his career in Germany after the 2009-10 season. (J. Michael Short / For the Express-News) less

Mike Green, #17, Center
One of the first fan favorites to emerge that first season was Green (left). Green was the only Rampage player to skate in all 80 games that season, finishing three points behind Toms ... more

Mike Green, #17, Center One of the first fan favorites to emerge... Photo-3617024.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Jim Campbell, #9, Right WingCampbell (front) arrived in San Antonio with 61 NHL goals in games with Anaheim, St. Louis, Montreal, Chicago, Florida and Tampa Bay. One highlight goal came from just inside the blueline, beating the goaltender with a high wrist shot into the upper corner of the net as he was leaving the ice in a shift change. Campbell, or Soup, scored 15 other goals for San Antonio, playing three more AHL seasons before hanging up the skates in Switzerland in 2006-07. The former second-round Canadians draft pick and U.S. Olympian (1994) lives in St. Louis, where he coaches youth hockey and assists former San Antonio Dragons goaltender, Bruce Racine, in his goaltending camp. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News) less

Jim Campbell, #9, Right Wing
Campbell (front) arrived in San Antonio with 61 NHL goals in games with Anaheim, St. Louis, Montreal, Chicago, Florida and Tampa Bay. One highlight goal came from just inside the ... more

Serge Payer, #7, CenterPayer (pronounced Pie-YAY) also enjoyed a career season with the Rampage that first year. Payer (left) missed just two games and scored 41 points. The Rockland, Ontario, native held the Rampage shorthanded goals record before Bill Thomas, and played in 124 NHL games with the Panthers and Ottawa Senators. Payer also returned to the AT&T Center on the visitor's bench as a member of the 2007-08 Houston Aeros, and retired in Germany after the 2009-10 season. He is now a sports agent with Unlimited Sports Management Company. less

Serge Payer, #7, Center
Payer (pronounced Pie-YAY) also enjoyed a career season with the Rampage that first year. Payer (left) missed just two games and scored 41 points. The Rockland, Ontario, native held the ... more

Chris Mason, #30, GoaltenderMason (left) played only one more AHL game after his San Antonio stint. He was too busy playing in 302 games in the NHL with Nashville, St. Louis and Atlanta/Winnipeg. He also managed to go 14-1 in Finland during the 2004 NHL lockout and 11-1 in the playoffs to lead Valerenga to the league championship with Philadelphia pest Scott Hartnell. Mason, who went 25-18-6 in 50 games with three shutouts, signed with his original NHL team, Nashville, this past summer and should the NHL get back on the ice, you can see Mason's Iron Maiden design on his mask. less

Chris Mason, #30, Goaltender
Mason (left) played only one more AHL game after his San Antonio stint. He was too busy playing in 302 games in the NHL with Nashville, St. Louis and Atlanta/Winnipeg. He also ... more

Wade Flaherty, #33, GoaltenderIf you look at Flaherty's career stats, be ready to use a magnifying glass. The print is very small. Flaherty was penciled in to start the 2002-03 season in Florida, backing up Roberto Luongo. But just as season began, the Panthers picked up Jani Hurme, and Flats came to San Antonio. Over the next 10 years, he would help the Milwaukee Admirals win the Calder Cup, winning the playoff MVP trophy as the Admirals won Games 6 and 7 in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton for the title. Flaherty has been a frequent visitor at the AT&T Center as the Chicago Blackhawks goaltending coach, but this season will be with the Winnipeg Jets. (William Luther / San Antonio Express-News) less

Wade Flaherty, #33, Goaltender
If you look at Flaherty's career stats, be ready to use a magnifying glass. The print is very small. Flaherty was penciled in to start the 2002-03 season in Florida, backing up ... more

Juraj Kolnik, #19, Right WingThe former Islanders' fourth-round pick was acquired just before the season began and was the original San Antonio speed merchant. Kolnik (right) scored the first goal in franchise history in a 6-2 loss in Milwaukee and notched the first game-winning goal in Utah against the Grizzlies. He ended up playing 154 games here. His 40 goals tie him with teammate Eric Beaudoin and Yanick Lehoux for fourth place. The Slovakian speedster's 25 goals with San Antonio was his North American pro best, and he finished with 240 NHL games with the Panthers and Islanders, scoring 45 goals and 95 points before heading to Europe in 2007. He is currently playing for Rapperswil-Jona of the Swiss League. less

Juraj Kolnik, #19, Right Wing
The former Islanders' fourth-round pick was acquired just before the season began and was the original San Antonio speed merchant. Kolnik (right) scored the first goal in franchise ... more

Photo: GLORIA FERNIZ, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Juraj Kolnik, #19, Right Wing The former Islanders'... Photo-3586740.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Eric Beaudoin, #12, Right WingThe 6-foot-5 winger scored seven game-winners for the Rampage and scored 89 points in 111 games. The Ottawa native led the team with +16 that first season and finished with 37 points in 41 games. The 20 goals he scored the second season was a career-high before he made the switch to European leagues. Beaudoin has played in over 50 games per season the last five years in Europe, and currently skates for Biel in the Swiss-A league. less

Eric Beaudoin, #12, Right Wing
The 6-foot-5 winger scored seven game-winners for the Rampage and scored 89 points in 111 games. The Ottawa native led the team with +16 that first season and finished with 37 ... more

Pierre Dagenais, #8, Left WingTwice drafted by the New Jersey Devils (2nd in 1996, 4th in '98), Dagenais was most likely the most skilled offensive player on the Rampage, if picking spots to put pucks in the net is a measure of skill. Dagenais' suspect work ethic derailed his NHL career and took him to Europe and an incredible season for a single-A Federal League team that went belly-up before the end of the season, scoring 83 goals last year. Dagenais scored 35 NHL goals for the Canadians, Panthers and Devils. (Gloria Ferniz / San Antonio Express-News file photo) less

Pierre Dagenais, #8, Left Wing
Twice drafted by the New Jersey Devils (2nd in 1996, 4th in '98), Dagenais was most likely the most skilled offensive player on the Rampage, if picking spots to put pucks in the ... more

Photo: GLORIA FERNIZ, SAN SANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

Pierre Dagenais, #8, Left Wing Twice drafted by the New Jersey... Photo-3586742.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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David Gove, #16, CenterA fan favorite the first season, the 5-foot-9 energizer scored 15 goals after his November promotion from the Rampage's CHL affiliate in Laredo. Gove (right) played 449 games for five AHL teams and had a cup of coffee with the Carolina Hurricanes, getting an assist in his first NHL game. Gove finished his career with Wilkes-Barre/Scranton, scoring five goals and 12 points in the Calder Cup playoffs lead the Penguins into the finals against the Chicago Wolves. less

David Gove, #16, Center
A fan favorite the first season, the 5-foot-9 energizer scored 15 goals after his November promotion from the Rampage's CHL affiliate in Laredo. Gove (right) played 449 games for five AHL ... more

Photo: EDWARD A. ORNELAS, SAN ANTONIO EXPRESS-NEWS

David Gove, #16, Center A fan favorite the first season, the... Photo-3586743.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Ryan Jardine, #15, WingerJardine (left) played both wings and at one time led the franchise in games played, suiting up for 163 contests in the first three years of the franchise. Jardine was an opponent's power play pest, scoring 14 goals in 64 games. Jardine also played in Europe following his Rampage career, but has played the last two seasons with the Missouri Mavericks of the Central Hockey League, where he will play this season. (Edward A. Ornelas / San Antonio Express-News) less

Ryan Jardine, #15, Winger
Jardine (left) played both wings and at one time led the franchise in games played, suiting up for 163 contests in the first three years of the franchise. Jardine was an opponent's ... more

Filip Novak, #4, DefenseThe Rampage's leading scoring defenseman (center) with 27 points, his season shortened to 57 games because of a serious foot injury. He also scored the first two-goal game in Rampage history on Oct. 18, 2002, in Utah. The former Rangers second-round pick was the Rampage selection for the AHL All-Star Game that first season, and is the only Rampage player ever picked for the All-AHL Rookie Team. Novak was acquired by the Panthers in a blockbuster deal that sent Pavel Bure to the Rangers for Novak, defenseman Igor Ulanov and three draft picks. The 10 goals were a career pro high for Novak, who showcased strong puck control and ran the power play effectively. Big things were expected from the Czech Republic defender. He did play in 17 NHL games with the Senators and Blue Jackets, but has spent the last five years in Russia with the KHL Moscow Dynamo, including this upcoming season. A fan favorite with his easy-going, friendly manner, Novak just assisted on Alexander Ovechkin's first KHL goal with Dynamo this week. (Gloria Ferniz / San Antonio Express-News file photo) less

Filip Novak, #4, Defense
The Rampage's leading scoring defenseman (center) with 27 points, his season shortened to 57 games because of a serious foot injury. He also scored the first two-goal game in Rampage ... more

Denis Shvidki, #18, Right WingTalk about potential. Shvidki (right) came to San Antonio trying to recover from injury the previous season after he was drafted in the first round, the 12th overall player selected by the Panthers in 1999. He scored 200 points in 122 junior games when he was drafted, but he never reached his potential in North America. The 6-2, 210 pounder showed flashes of brilliance here, playing in the 2003-04 All Star Game as a replacement for Eric Beaudoin, who was on recall to Florida. But since 2004, Shvidki has been plying his trade overseas in Russia, Finland briefly and Germany, never scoring more than seven goals in a season. He's playing for the Krefeld Penguins of the German League this year. (Kin Man Hui / San Antonio Express-News) less

Denis Shvidki, #18, Right Wing
Talk about potential. Shvidki (right) came to San Antonio trying to recover from injury the previous season after he was drafted in the first round, the 12th overall player ... more

Jamie Rivers, #27, DefenseOne of the best players to ever lace up the skates for the Rampage, Rivers (left) went on to excel with the St. Louis Blues mainly and played 454 NHL games with the Panthers, Red Wings, Coyotes and Blues. He was Jim Campbell's teammate with the Blues, and scored 17 NHL goals as a solid, defensive backliner. His 25 points were second in his career only to his stint with the Chicago Wolves in 2008. Rivers acted as an alternate captain that first season and has just recently been named the new coach of the Central Hockey League's St. Charles Chill, which will begin play next season. In a scary development when playing in a KHL game in Austria in 2010, he nearly died after finishing a check. A few days later, he collapsed from an undetected ruptured spleen and was brought back to life with a heart defibrillator after intensive internal bleeding. Rivers was always a positive influence in the locker room and would be counted upon, along with his accomplice Soup Campbell, to prank teammates and media members alike. (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News) less

Jamie Rivers, #27, Defense
One of the best players to ever lace up the skates for the Rampage, Rivers (left) went on to excel with the St. Louis Blues mainly and played 454 NHL games with the Panthers, Red ... more

Jamie Rivers, #27, Defense One of the best players to ever lace... Photo-3617347.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Joey Tetarenko, #36, Right WingOne of five players to notch over 100 PIMs that first season, Tetarenko never backed down from anyone and was an instant fan favorite. Known more for his fists than his wrists, Tets did score four goals and 12 assists to go along with his 123 penalty minutes in 50 games before his trade to the Ottawa Senators organization at the trade deadline for goaltender Simon Lajeunesse. You can go to YouTube and put in his name for some epic bouts, including one with future Rampage all-time penalty leader Frankie Lessard when both were in the NHL. Tetarenko did end up with the typical enforcer NHL line of 4-1-5 with 176 PIMs in 73 games with the Panthers, Senators and Hurricanes. He finished up his last three AHL seasons in Houston and was a frequent guest of the visitor's penalty box at the AT&T Center. He retired after the 2006-07 season and has been coaching youth hockey in Houston and Dallas. (Joshua Trujillo / San Antonio Express-News file photo) less

Joey Tetarenko, #36, Right Wing
One of five players to notch over 100 PIMs that first season, Tetarenko never backed down from anyone and was an instant fan favorite. Known more for his fists than his wrists, ... more

Joey Tetarenko, #36, Right Wing One of five players to notch over... Photo-3617348.50665 - San Antonio Express-News

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Paul Elliott, #6, DefenseA consistent, hard-working blueliner, Elliott (front) was a fifth-round Edmonton Oilers draft pick who scored four goals in 63 games in 2002-03. The first season, the Augusta Lynx of the ECHL were the Rampage's AA affiliate, but Elliott was assigned to the Laredo Bucks for the 2004-05 season and remained there as a mainstay for a Miron Cup title. Elliott retired in the Laredo area. (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News) less

Paul Elliott, #6, Defense
A consistent, hard-working blueliner, Elliott (front) was a fifth-round Edmonton Oilers draft pick who scored four goals in 63 games in 2002-03. The first season, the Augusta Lynx of ... more

Rocky Thompson, #23, Defense/Right WingerA fan favorite, the gap-toothed fighter (front) endeared himself to Rampage crowds the first season with his high-flying long hair and fists of fury every night. The offensively challenged Thompson, now an assistant coach with the Oklahoma City Barons and a frequent visitor when the Barons play here, refused to shave until he scored his first (and only) goal of that first campaign. Thompson looked like the second coming of Charles Manson but after his first period goal in a game in March, he immediately shaved during the intermission. Thompson did add a career-high 11 assists that season to go along with career high watermark and team-leading 275 PIMs. Thompson is still ranked sixth in team history in PIMs, even though he only played one season here. He finished his AHL career with the Oilers organization in Toronto and Edmonton before retiring with the Peoria Rivermen in 2007. (Tom Reel / San Antonio Express-News) less

Rocky Thompson, #23, Defense/Right Winger
A fan favorite, the gap-toothed fighter (front) endeared himself to Rampage crowds the first season with his high-flying long hair and fists of fury every night. The ... more

Mathieu Biron, #5, DefenseThe 6-foot-6 Biron, an L.A. Kings first-round pick, 21st overall in 1998, arrived in San Antonio on Halloween 2002, and split the season with the Panthers, playing 43 games here and 34 in Sunrise. He was part of an eight-player deal that included Olli Jokinen and Bryan Smolinski between the Kings and Islanders before playing with New York, Tampa Bay, the Panthers and Washington — a total of 253 NHL contests. Never one to back down from a scrape, Biron could be counted on to use his extensive reach to bring a positive end to any bout. He finished his hockey career with Thetford-Mines Isothermic of the Lique Nord-Americaine de hockey (LNAH), the league where Dragons great Daniel Shank also played at the end of his career. Biron's brother, Martin, backs up Henrik Lundqvist with the New York Rangers after many seasons with the Buffalo Sabres, whom Mathieu scored on as a member of the Panthers the following season in Sunrise. less

Mathieu Biron, #5, Defense
The 6-foot-6 Biron, an L.A. Kings first-round pick, 21st overall in 1998, arrived in San Antonio on Halloween 2002, and split the season with the Panthers, playing 43 games here and 34 ... more

Brendan Walsh, #10, CenterWhen No. 10 (right) skated onto the ice, every player in the building kept their eye open in the backs of their heads — even Rampage players. Walshy was known to run over teammates to get to opponents en route to amassing 202 PIMs. Another gap-toothed fan favorite, Walsh managed to score twice when not having a seat in the penalty box. Over the next two seasons with the Providence Bruins, the Dorchester, Mass., native would pile on 281 and 284 minutes. He did go triple-digits in all six of his pro campaigns and holds the P-Bruins record of 43 minutes in one game. He retired in 2005 to help coach at Northeastern University in Boston. Say what you will about his abilities, Walsh was a winner throughout his career. His Omaha Lancers junior team won its title. Boston University won two Beanpots and as a transfer to Maine, saw the Black Bears win an NCAA title. Ironically, Walsh is now a Boston Police Officer. (Billy Calzada / San Antonio Express-News) less

Brendan Walsh, #10, Center
When No. 10 (right) skated onto the ice, every player in the building kept their eye open in the backs of their heads — even Rampage players. Walshy was known to run over teammates ... more

Kyle Rossiter, #24, DefenseRossiter (right) is the final member of the Rampage's 100-penalty minute club from that first season. Rossiter, a brawny 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, knew how to hammer opponents and finished with a career-high +10 on the +/- scale. Usually when the boards exploded, Rossiter was in the area. The former second round Florida pick played only 11 NHL games with the Panthers and Atlanta Thrashers before playing in Europe, retiring in 2006. He is now a Realtor in Edmonton. (Kevin Geil / San Antonio Express-News file photo) less

Kyle Rossiter, #24, Defense
Rossiter (right) is the final member of the Rampage's 100-penalty minute club from that first season. Rossiter, a brawny 6-foot-2, 215-pounder, knew how to hammer opponents and ... more